In just a few days, the July open evaluation period for high school basketball players and college basketball coaches begins. The 20 days where coaches can watch potential recruits are among the most important to the careers of young players and to the futures of basketball programs across the country.

As he has all along, New Jersey-bred Mike Gilchrist continues to hold onto the top spot. Committed to Kentucky, Gilchrist has pretty much everything that you would look for in an elite small forward prospect. However, he is being challenged aggressively for the top spot by the next five guys in the rankings who have combined to make a group of six that we feel have separated themselves from the rest of the pack.

Making a move up to No. 2, Quincy Miller has been all business of late and has erased any questions about his willingness to fight and scrap on the floor. At No. 3, Austin Rivers is coming off of an impressive showing for USA Basketball's 18 and under team. At No. 4, LeBryan Nash is a physically imposing wing with as many natural gifts as any player in the country. Marquis Teague will join Gilchrist at Kentucky and checks in as the top point guard in the country at No. 5 overall. Finally in the sixth spot, Saint Louis native Bradley Beal is a silky smooth scorer with a very well-rounded game.